Gigi Hadid Had a Crush on Bradley Cooper Long Before Dating

Gigi Hadid and Bradley Cooper: Inside Their Budding Romance, Dating History, and What the Future Holds

Hollywood’s rumor mill is buzzing with excitement as supermodel Gigi Hadid and Oscar-nominated actor Bradley Cooper have been consistently spotted together, fueling speculation about a burgeoning romance. Over the past week, the high-profile duo has been seen on multiple outings in New York City, igniting widespread public and media interest in their apparent connection.

According to recent reports, Gigi Hadid, known globally for her illustrious modeling career and fashion endorsements, harbored “sort of a crush” on Bradley Cooper, the esteemed star of films like ‘Silver Linings Playbook’ and ‘A Star Is Born,’ “for a while” before their current romantic whispers began. This revelation adds an intriguing layer to what initially appeared to be a sudden pairing between two of Hollywood’s most recognizable faces.

A Budding Romance: Initial Sightings and Growing Speculation

The first hints of a potential romance surfaced when Gigi and Bradley were photographed together, seemingly enjoying an intimate dinner date. Less than a week ago, the pair was spotted leaving the upscale Italian restaurant Via Carota in New York City. Gigi, 28, looked chic and effortless, while Bradley, 48, maintained his signature understated style. These initial images instantly captivated fans and the paparazzi, setting the stage for more sightings.

The sightings didn’t stop there. Over the subsequent weekend, the Maybelline spokesmodel and the ‘Maestro’ star were once again photographed, this time arriving back in the Big Apple in the same car. Bradley was seen behind the wheel, with Gigi riding shotgun, suggesting a comfortable familiarity between them. Both were observed carrying large duffle bags, leading to speculation about whether they had just returned from a getaway or a joint engagement, further fueling the romantic narrative. The frequency and nature of these public appearances have left little doubt in the minds of many that something new and exciting is indeed unfolding between them.

Insider Insights: What We Know About Their Connection

The public’s curiosity about this unexpected duo has been partially satisfied by an insider who recently shared details with PEOPLE on October 9. The source indicated that Gigi and Bradley share “things in common,” making it “possible to see [their relationship] progress.” This shared ground is crucial for any relationship, but particularly for two individuals navigating the intense demands of Hollywood careers and public scrutiny.

The insider characterized the relationship as “super casual now,” but emphasized a strong “attraction.” Both Gigi and Bradley are parents, possess formidable careers, and lead exceptionally busy lives, a reality that the source believes they “understand what life is like in these circles.” This mutual understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities that come with their fame could be a significant factor in their connection. “It’s cute, and there is an attraction,” the source concluded, painting a picture of a relationship that, while nascent, is built on genuine interest and shared experiences.

Despite the evident attraction, the source also cautioned against expectations of immediate seriousness. Gigi, at 28, is described as “independent, busy, and her days are filled with responsibilities.” Similarly, Bradley, 48, juggles his acting and directing career with his responsibilities as a father. This complex balance suggests that a rapid progression to a deeply serious commitment is unlikely. “I don’t see anything serious happening right away, if at all,” the insider concluded, highlighting the need for patience and space as they explore their connection amidst their already demanding lives. Their shared commitment to parenthood and their professional endeavors likely means any romance would evolve at a measured pace, prioritizing their existing obligations.

Unpacking Their High-Profile Dating Histories

The emergence of Gigi and Bradley as a potential couple has also cast a spotlight on their respective, well-documented dating histories, both of which involve other prominent figures in the entertainment world. These past relationships, especially those involving co-parenting, offer a glimpse into the dynamics they bring to any new romantic endeavor.

Bradley Cooper’s Co-Parenting with Irina Shayk

Bradley Cooper’s most significant recent public relationship was with supermodel Irina Shayk. The pair dated from 2015 to 2019 and share a 6-year-old daughter, Lea De Seine. Despite their split, Bradley and Irina have maintained an exceptionally amicable co-parenting relationship, often seen together with their daughter, proving that exes can indeed be friendly and cooperative for the sake of their child. Their ability to navigate post-breakup life with such grace has been widely praised.

Recently, fans speculated whether Bradley and Irina had reconciled, given their frequent joint appearances. However, these sightings have consistently been attributed to their shared commitment to Lea, emphasizing their dedication as parents above all else. Adding another layer to this narrative, Irina, 37, has recently been spotted spending time with former NFL player Tom Brady, suggesting she too is moving forward with her romantic life. This clear delineation from previous reconciliation rumors helps to solidify the notion that Bradley is indeed free to explore a new connection with Gigi.

Gigi Hadid’s Journey: From Zayn Malik to Leonardo DiCaprio

Gigi Hadid’s romantic history is equally high-profile. She was famously in an on-again, off-again relationship with former One Direction singer Zayn Malik for nearly six years. Their romance began in 2015, saw a brief split in 2018 followed by a reconciliation, and culminated in the birth of their daughter, Khai, in 2020. They officially called it quits in 2021, less than a year after welcoming their 3-year-old child. Despite the complexities of their past, Gigi and Zayn also prioritize co-parenting their daughter, embodying a mature approach to their post-relationship dynamic.

Following her split from Zayn, Gigi appeared to embark on a romance with none other than Oscar winner and Hollywood’s most famous bachelor, Leonardo DiCaprio. The pair sparked intense relationship rumors in late 2022, and although their bond eventually “fizzled out,” they were seen reuniting publicly several times over the past year, indicating a lingering connection or at least a friendly rapport. However, Leo, 48, has since moved on, recently spending time with model Vittoria Ceretti, further clearing the path for Gigi to pursue a new chapter in her romantic life.

The Dynamics of a Celebrity Romance: Children, Careers, and Public Scrutiny

The potential romance between Gigi Hadid and Bradley Cooper offers a fascinating study in the dynamics of celebrity relationships, particularly when children and demanding careers are involved. Both are A-list stars who command significant public attention, and any development in their personal lives is immediately scrutinized globally. Their shared experiences in the spotlight, coupled with their individual journeys into parenthood, provide a unique foundation for their connection.

One of the most significant commonalities between Gigi and Bradley is their shared commitment to co-parenting. Both have successfully navigated the complexities of raising children with ex-partners in the public eye. Gigi with Khai and Zayn, and Bradley with Lea and Irina, demonstrate a maturity and dedication that is essential for stability. This shared understanding of parental responsibilities, and the need to prioritize their children’s well-being, could serve as a strong bond between them. It means they likely appreciate the demands on each other’s time and emotions, fostering empathy and mutual respect.

Furthermore, their respective careers in modeling and acting require extensive travel, long hours, and constant public exposure. Dating another celebrity who understands these pressures can be a double-edged sword: it offers validation and understanding, but also intensifies the media’s focus. The insider’s comments about their “big careers” and “busy lives” underscore the practical challenges they face in nurturing a relationship. Their ability to make time for each other, even casually, speaks volumes about their interest.

The public and media’s reaction to this pairing has been overwhelmingly positive, driven by the intrigue of two highly respected individuals coming together. However, this level of scrutiny also means that every public outing, every subtle gesture, is analyzed and interpreted. Maintaining privacy and a sense of normalcy can be incredibly difficult, yet Gigi and Bradley, with their extensive experience in the public eye, are undoubtedly adept at navigating such pressures.

What’s Next for Gigi and Bradley?

As Gigi Hadid and Bradley Cooper continue to explore their connection, the question on everyone’s mind is: what’s next for this intriguing pair? While sources indicate their relationship is currently “super casual” and focused on “having fun,” the evident attraction and shared life experiences suggest a potential for something more profound.

Given their individual commitments to their children and their thriving careers, it’s reasonable to expect any progression in their romance to be gradual. They are both at stages in their lives where personal fulfillment and family well-being are paramount. This means that, unlike younger celebrity romances, their relationship is likely to be characterized by a thoughtful, mature approach rather than whirlwind declarations. The emphasis on “things in common” points towards a deeper compatibility beyond superficial attraction, which could sustain a longer-term connection.

Fans will undoubtedly be watching closely for further sightings and updates, eager to see how this exciting new chapter unfolds for two of Hollywood’s beloved personalities. Whether it blossoms into a long-term partnership or remains a cherished, casual connection, Gigi and Bradley’s budding romance has certainly captured the imagination of many, proving that love and connection can appear in the most unexpected and delightful forms, even amidst the glittering chaos of celebrity life.